Horrrible....

I suppose I should make it clear that we never actually change the date, even if we do cross the date line -- The Aleutian Islands are all kept back in time. Actually, I understand that Technically Alaska is in 5 time zones, though we only celebrate two of them.
Dinner is over, a quick barrel full of Parmesiagn Noodles to go with the medicines. Today was a horrible day at sea. The Crossing from Gareloi to Amchitka is 70+ miles of open ocean... Pacific fighting the Bering sea for control of the area. Add to that the high winds, and you get very rough waters. If that weren't enough, there's some remnants of a typhoon that's working its way into the area over the next few days.

I've been in the Galley most of the day. Actually, this is no different than most days... I try to do a little work, but usually end up playing games or sifting through my music. It is horribly difficult to keep a coherent thought while being pitched about. Today's waves were up to about 20', and just rocked the boat heartily. Water poured over the sides of the boat, causing geysers between the floorboards as it sloshed back and forth. The Galley window was underwater many times thorugh the day -- trading the greys of the arial world for the aquamarine of the water and the white of the foam. While it was entertaining at first, it got old quickly. I was still laughing to myself in general when Anthony repeatedly admonished me that I'd never been in a real survival situation. I have; only I usually never realize it 'till it is all over -- and that's fine with me.

Right now we're at anchor in Constantine Bay, a somewhat protected area of Amchitka Island. Arrival was just after sunset. The wind was blowing against the docks, so we're hanging out at anchor. This is also good for one other reason: Rats. Apparently, the Island is absolutely overrun with rats. The foxes were exterminated (after having been introduced), but the introduced rats remained and grew strong. We'll have to be careful to not let any on board, 'cause it would be devistating to birdlife if we accidentally introduce them to Semisepochnoi.

Another item of note: birds land on the boat each night. One of them, the storm petral, is a cute little thing, with a funny nose (normal beak, but nose comes off & up at an angle in some sort of cone structure) is a mild mannered bird... The ship is periodically swept, and all birds are tossed overboard (set free, that is). Otherwise, they crawl into the cracks-crannies, and get squished or trapped or whatever, and die.

The others are doing fairly well. Hardly a peep was heard from most, as the bunks were the popular hangout spot of the day. Feeling headachy, and tired of the rocking, I passed out this afternoon for a few hours, too.


Movie: Red Dragon.
Breakfast will be served at 9am. See ya there.